Dinogo Readers’ Top 10 Cities in Africa and the Middle East for 2024

Spanning a vast region, it's no wonder that the favorite cities of T+L readers in Africa and the Middle East showcase a rich diversity of urban life. The selected cities range from contemporary, shining metropolises to some of the world’s oldest religious pilgrimage destinations and vibrant cultural hubs.

Voting Process Overview

Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide — providing insights on the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ establishments (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Cities were evaluated based on the following criteria:

Attractions/Sights
Cultural Experiences
Culinary Delights
Welcoming Atmosphere
Shopping Opportunities
Affordability

For each attribute, participants could select a rating from excellent, above average, average, below average, to poor. The overall scores reflect the average of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers

This year’s awardees showcase a rich variety of cities across the African continent and the Middle East. While North Africa is well-represented, two sub-Saharan cities also made this year’s list of winners. One standout is the ever-popular Cape Town, South Africa, which secured the No. 2 position this year. As one voter remarked, “Cape Town is a must-visit for everyone. Activities range from local safaris to exploring land and ocean wildlife, delving into history, and enjoying some of the finest wine vineyards globally. The locals are friendly, and the city feels safe.”

The second sub-Saharan city that has been gaining recognition since it first appeared on the list three years ago is Kigali, Rwanda. This vibrant capital climbed to fifth place this year. Voters describe it as a stunning city with warm, helpful inhabitants. “It’s an incredibly clean and progressive place! I felt safe wandering everywhere,” one voter shared. “There's a fantastic variety of cuisine and excellent coffee available.”

Nonetheless, North Africa remains a strong presence on the list, featuring two cities from Egypt and three from Morocco this year. Fez earned the sixth position, hailed by one respondent as “a cultural and historical gem! A must-visit while in Morocco.” The smaller city of Essaouira claimed the seventh spot, marking its first return to the list since 2021.

The third Moroccan city on the 2024 rankings took the top position. Read on to discover which city it is and view the complete list of readers’ favorite cities in Africa and the Middle East.

The Champion

Marrakesh, Morocco

A sweeping view captures a group of tourists exploring the ruins of El Badi Palace alongside a tour guide during their vacation in Marrakech.

Thomas Barwick/Getty Images

For the second consecutive year, this captivating city has claimed the top spot, consistently appearing on the list. Tucked away in the picturesque foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh stands out as one of Morocco’s most sought-after tourist destinations. “OMG Marrakesh, it’s a hidden gem!” one reader exclaimed. “Every corner is a sensory explosion…with all its secret spots, unexpected finds, and a blend of glamour and modesty.” As the country’s fifth-largest city, it beautifully merges the old and new, becoming a hub for art and design enthusiasts thanks to the recent openings of boutique hotels like Riad Dar Dada and Izza, along with its vibrant array of museums and galleries. Yet, travelers remain enchanted by the winding streets of the medina, historic hammams, and stunning riads. Voters particularly cherish the souk, with one noting, “Souks and spices. Camels and donkeys. If you can't find what you're searching for in the main souk, it probably doesn’t exist.”